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Simple additive-based modifications of PDMS for long-term hydrophilic stability
Eunyoung Park1, Seungjin Kang1, Ung Hyun Ko1
1Orange Biomed Co., Ltd., Seoul, Republic of Korea. unghyeon.ko@orangebiomed.com.
Lab on a Chip
|August 5, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a simple, one-step method to create hydrophilic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) for microfluidics. This stable, hydrophilic PDMS material is ideal for long-term biomedical applications, ensuring reliable fluid flow.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Microfluidics
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a common material in microfluidics due to its favorable fabrication properties.
- The inherent hydrophobicity of PDMS presents challenges for applications requiring controlled fluid behavior.
- Modifying PDMS surface properties is crucial for expanding its utility in various scientific fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a facile, one-step method for fabricating hydrophilic PDMS.
- To investigate the long-term stability and performance of the modified hydrophilic PDMS.
- To compare the hydrophilization efficiency between different PDMS formulations.
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of a PDMS-poly(ethylene glycol) block copolymer into commercial PDMS formulations (Sylgard 184 and KE-106).
- Characterization of surface wettability using contact angle measurements.
- Assessment of long-term hydrophilic property retention.
- Analysis of hydrophobic compound release using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
Main Results:
- A one-step, mixing-based process successfully created hydrophilic PDMS without plasma treatment or chemical coating.
- Hydrophilic properties were maintained for up to two months, enabling stable flow in microchannels as small as 3 μm.
- KE-106 PDMS exhibited faster and more extensive hydrophilic transformation than Sylgard 184.
- Differences in released hydrophobic compounds (D4, D5) correlated with varying hydrophilization efficiencies.
Conclusions:
- Block copolymer incorporation offers an effective strategy for PDMS hydrophilization.
- PDMS formulation significantly impacts the efficiency and stability of hydrophilic modification.
- This method provides a robust platform for developing long-term hydrophilic PDMS microfluidic devices for biomedical applications.
